Three held while smuggling red sanders

Nellore, April 22 (INN): The police arrested seized a tipper carrying 75 red sanders and arrested three person on the Chennai-Vijayawada National Highway No 5 at Jonnada in Buchireddypalem mandal in Nellore district on Friday.

According to Buchireddypalem Sub-Inspector Ch Sudhakar Rao, the tipper carrying the 75 logs of red sanders was seized during routine checks at Ambedkar statue in Jonnada junction. Mr Sudhakar Rao said that the red sanders were hidden among red mud, used to make bricks.

The Sub-Inspector said the three accused have been identified as Boothala Venkatachalam, G Shankar and Sheikh Shakir. After interrogation, the accused admitted they were transporting the logs to Mumbai from Jonnada via Vijayawada.

Mr Sudhakar Rao said the value of red sandal in the market estimated at Rs 7 lakh. The Sub-Inspector said the logs would be handed over to Forest Department officials.